Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the accomplishments of Kyle Rogachenko, a 14-year-old whose commitment, discipline, and motivation have made him a well-known competitor in the upper echelons of the international sailing community.

Mr. Rogachenko, a 9th grader at Methacton High School in Worcester, Pennsylvania, began his sailing career at age 6 at the Toms River Yacht Club in New Jersey. Included on his sailing resume are his participation on two World Teams, three South American Teams, and three North American Teams. Additionally, he was the top American finisher at the 40th annual IOCA World Championship regatta in 2001. For his age group, Mr. Rogachenko is the top young sailor in the United States.

Throughout the past few years, Mr. Rogachenko has had an extensive travel schedule that has provided him with many rewarding experiences. He has continually displayed all of the attributes of a true leader. I am proud that this young man hopes to attend the United States Naval Academy upon his completion of high school.

It is a privilege to recognize such a fine young man. I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Pennsylvania's own, Kyle Rogachenko.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge Reverend Dr. Thomas J. Ritter, whose contributions to Philadelphia have been multi-faceted and unparalleled.

Beyond being a community activist, builder, and leader, Reverend Ritter has served his congregation with the commitment of a dedicated and loving father for 45 years. Reverend Ritter built the Second Macedonia Baptist Church from a small house with six members to a large worship center with over a thousand members with 27 ministries.

Reverend Ritter's wide scope of dedication to Philadelphia spans more than the religious spectrum. He has been very instrumental in the development of many of Philadelphia's new major business centers. Reverend Ritter served as the first executive director of the Opportunities Industrialization Center, an organization which has assisted over 75 urban communities throughout the United States and the world. Additionally, he sits on the board of directors of the Philadelphia Martin Luther King Association for Nonviolence, chairs Philadelphia's Human Relations Commission, and has established a community-based volunteer self-help organization called ``Giving of Self Partnership.'' The list of charitable endeavors that Reverend Ritter is involved in are innumerable.

It is a privilege to recognize a person whose dedicated leadership has enriched the lives of countless individuals in both my district and the nation. I hope that all of my distinguished colleagues will join me in honoring Reverend Dr. Thomas J. Ritter.

I rise to acknowledge the contributions of Philadelphia's own Sarah and Rubin Herman Chapter of the City of Hope Hospital and Beckman Institute of Research. As this institution celebrates its 40th year, its unwavering commitment to both the community and the medical field remain unparalleled.

The Philadelphia chapter is composed of 70 local women, ages 60-85, who have dedicated countless hours of their time to support fund- raising efforts and events. Last year alone, they raised $35,000 to assist doctors and research scientists in their on-going battle to find a cure for various life-threatening diseases.

The Sarah and Rubin Herman Chapter of the City of Hope Hospital and Beckman Institute maintain an exemplary level of enthusiasm about and dedication to volunteerism. They stand steadfast in their mission to provide hope for a brighter future for the survivors of life threatening diseases and their families. I hope that all of my distinguished colleagues will join me in recognizing the contribution that has been made to Philadelphia, to Pennsylvania and to our great nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the contributions of a man who has served this country for many years with remarkable dedication and honor. I rise to honor Chief Warrant Officer Charles C. Caulk who is retiring from the United States Army after a phenomenal 43 years of service.

It takes a noble man to serve his country. But a man who dedicates 43 years of his life to protecting and serving the ideas that this country was built upon, is a man that few words can describe. Chief Warrant Officer Caulk's contributions to the armed services have left a lasting impact and will be not forgotten.

It is a privilege to recognize a person whose leadership and commitment to our nation has enriched the lives of countless individuals. I hope that all of my distinguished colleagues will join me in honoring Chief Warrant Officer Caulk's unwavering dedication to both the citizens of our great nation and citizens around the world. His efforts create a resonating hope in the lives of those who do not enjoy the fruits of freedom and democracy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the contributions of Philadelphia's own Berean Institute. Celebrating their 104th year, their unwavering commitment has served countless aspiring youth by preparing students for the world of work or continued education.

Berean Institute is a nonprofit, state-aided and nonsectarian post- secondary institution providing affordable, high-quality educational, vocational and technological training. It is ``a place to be somebody, where you learn to earn.''

Founded in 1899 by Reverend Dr. Matthew Anderson and his wife Dr. Caroline Still Anderson, Berean continues to provide a solid foundation that assures its students the opportunity to choose a great career and acquire the marketable skills to meet and compete in the ever-changing demands to today's workforce.

Mr. Speaker, the Berean Institute remains a beacon of hope to the lives of many brilliant, young minds whose opportunities may not have been paralleled to their potential. I hope that all of my distinguished colleagues will join me in recognizing their contributions to the citizens of Philadelphia, to Pennsylvania and to our great nation.

Mr. Speaker, I stand here today with a very heavy heart as the passing of a dear, dear friend of mine and a dear friend of a lot of people, former Congressman Lucien Blackwell.

Lucien Blackwell was a Korean decorated war hero. He was a Member of this body. He was a member of the Pennsylvania State Legislature, a member of city council, and he was a very famous labor leader. Lucien Blackwell was a champion for the little people.

Two things come to mind when you talk about Lucien Blackwell: He was a warrior, and he had passion. He was a warrior and a fighter for the people who could not fight for themselves, and he spoke for people who could not speak for themselves.

Mr. Speaker, in my 18 years as a party chairman for the city of Philadelphia, he was my vice chair. He stood beside me for 18 years, and for 18 years there was never a motion on the floor that he did not make or he did not second. He was without question a man of integrity and a man who will be missed.

I was with him the day before he passed. We did our normal politicking and our famous back-room scheming, always to try to help somebody else.

I would not be here today if it was not for Lucien Blackwell. When this seat became vacant, the first congressional seat of Pennsylvania, he was going to fill it. He was going to come back and resume his career as a Congressman. And then 2 days prior to submitting the name, he said to me that he met with his family, was having breakfast with his granddaughters and grandsons, and they said to him, Pop-Pop, if you went back to Congress we could not be doing this with you. So he thought better of it. He thought better to stay with his family and not to come back to this body, and that is why I am here. He nominated me, and I took that congressional seat.

I feel a little responsible for allowing his family to have him for 5 more years, which is a very short time.

Mr. Speaker, the Nation, this body lost a good man. The State of Pennsylvania lost a good man. The city of Philadelphia and the labor movement lost a good man. His family, they lost a loving husband; his loving wife, city council lady Janey Blackwell. His family lost a father, a brother, a grandfather, a great grandfather. And, Mr. Speaker, I lost a good friend. He will never be forgotten, and for sure he can never be replaced.